Urban Unrest

12 November 2007 | Pacifica, Programming | Ernesto Aguilar

KPFT disc jockey Richard ‘Rick’ Smith

By LYNWOOD ABRAM
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Richard B. “Rick” Smith, disc jockey on Houston’s Pacifica radio station, member of local bands, clothing designer and contributor to alternative newspapers, has died. He was 39.

Smith was found dead Thursday in his home, apparently of natural causes, said his mother, Maria Rader. Her son had no health problems that she was aware of, Rader said.

Smith had worked at KPFT-FM (90.1) for about six years. His program, called the Messerschmidt World Domination Happy Hour, aired on the station about twice monthly for about two hours beginning at 4 a.m., said Ernesto Aguilar, program manager of the station.

Smith featured mainly alternative rock but also presented “many genres of music,” Aguilar said. “He had a big following. He was very knowledgeable about music and was insightful.”

Smith also helped raise funds for the Pacifica station, Aguilar said.

For a few years before he joined Pacifica, Smith designed clothing for Cotton-Tex Inc. of Houston, specializing in women’s blouses. He signed his artwork “Rix Myth,” Rader said.

A player on guitar and bass guitar, Smith performed with several local bands, including the Bald Eagleburger, the ADA Players and the Lancaster Stage Coach, said Becky Trow, a longtime friend.

A native of New Orleans, Smith had lived in Houston for 31 years. He graduated from Westfield High School in 1968 and attended Sam Houston State University. He earned a certificate in graphic arts from the Art Institute of Houston.

Smith also authored many one-act plays, some of which were staged by local theatrical groups. His other writings appeared in alternative publications including Free Press Houston, Houston’s Other and Public News.

“He had a gift for art, writing and music. He was able to use his creative talents in his work and daily life. He was very happy and fulfilled,” his mother said.

Free Press Houston posted on its Web site a tribute to Smith: “He was a friend to many and an adversary to none.”

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Maria and Allen Rader of Canyon Lake; his father and stepmother, Bill and Valerie Smith of Montgomery; a sister, Julie Winter of Tomball; and his grandmother, Mary Nell Smith of Jackson, Miss.

A celebration of life is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1111 S. Cherry, in Tomball.

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